Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring has become one of the most popular flooring choices thanks to its durability, waterproof properties, and realistic designs.
However, many homeowners ask an important question before installation:
Do you need underlay for LVT flooring?
The answer depends on the type of LVT you are installing.
Types of LVT Flooring
There are two main types of LVT flooring:
Glue Down LVT also known as Dryback.
Glue-down vinyl is fixed directly to the subfloor using adhesive.
Because the flooring is bonded to the floor surface, underlay is not normally required.
Subfloor Preparation Is Essential.
Unlike laminate or Click LVT, Glue Down LVT flooring is thin and flexible. This means any imperfections in the subfloor may show through the flooring.
For this reason, proper subfloor preparation is key, always ensure that your subfloor is dry, smooth and free from any undulations.
Click LVT
Click LVT uses a locking system similar to laminate flooring.
In many cases, underlay is recommended to:
- reduce sound
- improve comfort
Click LVT products like ours already include pre-attached underlay, so an additional layer is not required.
Final Thoughts
Whether underlay is required for LVT flooring depends on the installation method and product type.
Before installing LVT flooring, consider:
- subfloor condition
- click vs glue-down installation
- sound reduction requirements
If you’re still unsure which you should be using, get in touch.
Regardless of the flooring choice, ensuring the correct preparation will always help your floor look and perform at its best.